The sound of Present Perfect

Present Perfect is one of my favourite grammar points, because it presents the biggest challenge for my students and me. I always have to think of new ways to show how it works and how it is an always present part of oral and written speech.
Once you’ve come to grips with the form and typical uses, it’s important to become aware of this tense when you hear it. It also can be quite difficult to understand present perfect in quick speech. You need to realize that the part “have, has, haven’t, hasn’t” remains unstressed! It is very often the case, that you can only hear it, if you know it’s there.
1. Below you will find a short video taken from the film “Sherlock”. In this part Dr. Watson is making a proposal (asks to be his wife) to his girlfriend. His very short speech consists of nothing but present perfect.
  • Listen to it once just trying to undertand what he’s saying.
  • Listen to it for the second time and do the task below. In the gaps there are only present perfect forms.

Present Perfect Sherlock Video

- Sorry, that took so long. Are you Ok?

- Yes, fine, I’m fine

- Now, why did you ask me?

- So, listen. I know it    long, and I know we     each other for a long time. As you know these couple of years   easy for me. But meeting you   the best thing that could possibly   .

- I agree. I agree I’m the best thing that could   to you.

- So if you’ll have me Mary, could you see your way to…..







2. Let’s dive deeper now. Here is a song by Pink filled with Present Perfect. 
Listen, enjoy and then check yourself, of you can hear all the forms (and verbs) correctly.

Glitter in the air

 you ever  a lover with just your hands?
Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it
 you ever  a fist full of glitter in the air?
 you ever  fear in the face and said I just don't care?
It's only half past the point of no return
The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn
The thunder before the lightning, and the breath before the phrase
 you ever  this way?
 you ever  yourself for staring at the phone?
Your whole life waiting on the ring to prove you're not alone
 you ever  touched so gently you had to cry?
 you ever  a stranger to come inside?
It's only half past the point of oblivion
The hourglass on the table, the walk before the run
The breath before the kiss and the fear before the flames
 you ever  this way?

There you are, sitting in the garden
Clutching my coffee, calling me sugar
You called me sugar
No no no no no no
 you ever  for an endless night?
Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight
 you ever  your breath and asked yourself
Will it ever get better than tonight? Tonight




3. Now think and write a short speech (it may be a proposal speech) similar to the one Watson did. If you post it in the comments, I’ll be happy to check and comment.
Ex. This year has been one of the best in my life. I’ve travelled to many places. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people. I’ve searched and found. I’ve asked myself questions and I’ve received the answers.

4. Make questions with “Have you ever…?” and post them in the comments. You’re welcome to answer other students’ questions, if there are any.